First Cut Youth Film Festival is thrilled to announce that submissions for the 2026 festival are now being accepted!

Calling young filmmakers, aged between 12-24 years! Do you have a short film that you want to see in one of Ireland’s biggest and most exciting youth film festivals? Then First Cut wants to hear from you!

The Festival runs from Monday March 2nd to Saturday March 7th 2026. The deadline for entries is 5pm on Monday January 19th 2026.

To find out how to submit your film free of charge, just visit our FilmFreeway page. Every type of film is welcome including fiction, documentary, animation, experimental, Irish language and music video.

This annual festival, based in Youghal, Co.Cork, is dedicated to showcasing new films by young filmmakers. This seventeenth edition will offer its usual rich programme of screenings, workshops and talks in a fun and inclusive environment. It will feature both in-person events and an eye opening online programme of international films.